As most people who read this blog know, I am a big fan of community service or as I call it Community Involvement. I am often hired to help people achieve an alternative sentence which can mean a combination of jail time, Rehab, probation or community service. I ask everyone who is working with me to start community service asap whether it is court ordered or not. But, what I find is that most people still don’t get it or know how to go about finding a place to start.

Community service helps everyone from offender to those being served. In fact, sometimes the only way to work yourself back into the community is through leading by example and helping others. This does NOT mean community service only when there is a media event and sending out a press release. True community involvement and service means helping others when it is not expected and following through and raising awareness. To that end, even some of the celebrities on this year’s Celebrity Apprentice are doing great community service and raising awareness. Look at Sharon Osbourne, Bret Michaels and Holly Robinson Peete. True, they raised their TV Q, but they also drove viewers to their causes.

Awareness, resources and linking people together is the key. Sometimes help is there and we do not know where to find it. To find out more about Community Service opportunities in your area the best place to start is the new website called I Volunteer.

This insider knows the value of paying it forward. Make this the year to volunteer.